Table of Contents
- A Presidential Parade
- The Golden Crown Moment
- Showman, Statesman, Salesman
- Trade Talks with China
- Sources
A Presidential Parade
From the moment Air Force One touched down in Asia, President Donald Trump was treated like royalty—quite literally. During his five-day swing through Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, Trump reveled in the pageantry: drummers, sword-wielding soldiers, and limousines flanked by men with what he called “very vicious-looking weapons.”
“Driving up in the Beast, the limo, with those very powerful people carrying very vicious-looking weapons, it was something,” Trump remarked after a grand reception in South Korea. “I don’t think we’ve ever seen anything like that.”
The Golden Crown Moment
One of the trip’s more unusual highlights? A replica of an ancient golden crown gifted to the U.S. president during his stop in South Korea. The artifact, steeped in centuries of Korean heritage, contrasted sharply with Trump’s well-known penchant for glitz and gold.
Back home, a growing “No Kings” movement criticizes his leadership style—but thousands of miles away, protocol bent to accommodate his love of spectacle. Whether it was Lee Greenwood blasting on an aircraft carrier or bite-sized beef patties served with ketchup, every detail seemed curated for Trump’s tastes.
Showman, Statesman, Salesman
Trump’s Asia tour wasn’t just about fanfare—it was a carefully choreographed blend of diplomacy, branding, and business. In Gyeongju, South Korea, he addressed Asian leaders with a clear pitch: America is open for business.
“We’re sort of cleaning up the books,” he told the audience, signaling a streamlined approach to foreign investment and trade regulations.
Depending on the crowd, Trump toggled between roles: a statesman at bilateral meetings, a showman at military displays, and a traveling salesman touting deregulation and opportunity.
Trade Talks with China
The trip culminated in a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While details of their discussion remain closely guarded, the encounter underscored the fragile yet critical U.S.-China trade relationship—a cornerstone of Trump’s economic agenda.
Observers noted that despite the theatrical elements of his tour, Trump’s underlying message was consistent: America wants deals, but on its own terms.
Sources
The New York Times: “Vicious Weapons and a Golden Crown: Some of Trump’s Favorite Things in Asia”
